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Is Candy Cane Sorrel toxic to cats?

Oxalis versicolor

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists candy cane sorrel as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists Oxalis species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to soluble oxalates, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and — in large quantities — more serious effects including urinary tract issues. O. versicolor is a small-growing species, but all parts should be kept from pets.

What to do if your cat ate candy cane sorrel

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move candy cane sorrel out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of candy cane sorrel to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten candy cane sorrel, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is candy cane sorrel toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is candy cane sorrel toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists candy cane sorrel as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. The ASPCA lists Oxalis species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to soluble oxalates, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and — in large quantities — more serious effects including urinary tract issues. O. versicolor is a small-growing species, but all parts should be kept from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats candy cane sorrel?

The ASPCA lists Oxalis species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to soluble oxalates, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and — in large quantities — more serious effects including urinary tract issues. O. versicolor is a small-growing species, but all parts should be kept from pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to candy cane sorrel.

What should I do if my cat ate candy cane sorrel?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is candy cane sorrel toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Candy Cane Sorrel is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full candy cane sorrel pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to candy cane sorrel?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full candy cane sorrel pet-safety